What Drunken Sailor?
The song "What Shall We Do with a Drunken Sailor?" is a traditional sea shanty that has been passed down for generations. The song is believed to have originated in the 19th century, and its exact origins are unclear. However, it is widely thought to have been written by sailors who sang it while performing tasks such as raising anchors or hauling ropes.
The Lyrics
The song’s lyrics are simple and repetitive, with each verse asking the question "What shall we do with a drunken sailor?" followed by a series of suggestions, such as "Shave his belly with a rusty razor" or "Put him in the longboat till his sober". The lyrics are often sung in a call-and-response format, with the leader of the group singing the verse and the other sailors responding with the suggested actions.
The Origins
The song’s origins are unclear, but it is believed to have originated in the 19th century. There are several theories about its origins, including:
- The HMS Shannon: One theory is that the song originated on the HMS Shannon, a British warship that captured the USS Chesapeake in 1813. According to this theory, the song was sung by the sailors on the Shannon as a way to taunt their American prisoners.
- The USS Constitution: Another theory is that the song originated on the USS Constitution, a American warship that was launched in 1797. According to this theory, the song was sung by the sailors on the Constitution as a way to pass the time during long voyages.
- The Merchant Navy: Some historians believe that the song originated in the merchant navy, where sailors would sing shanties to help them complete their tasks. According to this theory, the song was sung by sailors who were tired of their duties and wanted to have a bit of fun.
The Significance
Despite its unclear origins, the song "What Shall We Do with a Drunken Sailor?" has become a beloved classic. It has been recorded by countless artists and has been featured in films, television shows, and stage productions. The song’s significance can be attributed to its:
- Universal appeal: The song’s simple and repetitive lyrics make it easy for people of all ages and backgrounds to sing along.
- Cultural significance: The song is a part of the cultural heritage of many countries, and its lyrics and melody are well-known to people around the world.
- Historical significance: The song provides a glimpse into the lives of sailors and the challenges they faced during long voyages.
Famous Recordings
The song has been recorded by many famous artists, including:
- Pete Seeger: Pete Seeger recorded the song in the 1950s and his version is still widely popular today.
- The Weavers: The Weavers, a popular folk group, recorded the song in the 1950s and it became one of their signature tunes.
- The Kingston Trio: The Kingston Trio, a popular folk group, recorded the song in the 1950s and it became one of their biggest hits.
Variations
There are many variations of the song, including:
- Different lyrics: There are many different versions of the song’s lyrics, with some including additional verses or changes to the original lyrics.
- Different melodies: Some versions of the song have different melodies, with some using a more upbeat tempo and others using a slower, more mournful melody.
- Different arrangements: Some versions of the song feature different arrangements, with some using instruments and others using only vocals.
Conclusion
"What Shall We Do with a Drunken Sailor?" is a traditional sea shanty that has been passed down for generations. The song’s origins are unclear, but it is believed to have originated in the 19th century. The song’s significance can be attributed to its universal appeal, cultural significance, and historical significance. Despite its unclear origins, the song has become a beloved classic and has been recorded by countless artists.
